🌱 Orlando Publix 'Trans' Cake Outrage + Worrell Seeks Death Penalty

Hello again, hello! I'm Carlos Hernandez, back with your new edition of the Orlando Patch newsletter. Let's get this weekend started off right with a quick guide to everything you need to know about what's going on around town, including updates on...

• Brightline tickets between Orlando and Miami go on sale next week.
• An Orlando Publix has outraged residents by refusing to write "trans" on a cake order.
• State Attorney Monique Worrell is seeking the death penalty in a string of Pine Hills shootings that left three people dead.

But first, today's weather: Partly sunny. High: 89 Low: 69.

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Here are the top stories today in Orlando:

1. An Orlando Publix has outraged residents in the area after the store allegedly refused to write "trans" on a cake ordered for an event. The cake was originally ordered for a Spreading Trans Joy event on April 26. Workers cited a corporate policy against taking a political stance on orders. Publix's corporate Facebook page apologized for the incident in a comment although Publix refused to respond for comment. (Orlando Patch)
2. Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell announced on Friday that her office will seek the death penalty against Keith Moses in connection to the Pine Hills deaths of Nathacha Augustin, Dylan Lyons,and and T’yonna Major. Her Capital Case Review Panel recommended the death penalty after reviewing the facts of the case. The defendant has pleaded not guilty to the three deaths. (Click Orlando)
3. An investigation is underway by authorities after two robberies of U.S. Postal Service mail carriers in Central Florida's Brevard and Orange counties on Friday. The incidents happened in Melbourne and Pine Hills. Investigators believe the crimes are connected. (Fox 35)
4. Police closed 1st Street in the Central Florida city of Sanford on Thursday after a shooting incident. The shooting happened near Hollerbach’s German Restaurant in Sanford's historic district. No foul play was suspected in the incident. (Click Orlando)
5. Tickets for Brightline high-speed rail trips between Orlando and Miami go on sale next week. Tickets will cost $79 for adults and half the price for children. Riders will be able to plan out fall and winter trips ahead of time with the new ticket purchasing system. (WFTV)

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Today in Orlando:

• Mess Fest at Orlando Science Center. (11 a.m.)
• Taste Of Africa Music And Food Festival at Eagle Nest Park. (noon)
• Brunch On Saturday at City Pub. (noon)
• Wahh World Fusion Band at Timucua Arts Foundation. (7:30 p.m.)
• Disney On Ice Presents "Frozen" & "Encanto" at Amway Center. (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Orlando Police Department shared: "Chief Smith and members of OPD joined the Orlando District 2 residents at their community meeting held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church." (Orlando Police Department via Facebook)
• Orlando Police Department shared: "In April, OPD was alerted to reports of inappropriate behavior of a teacher at Innovation Middle School. Detectives immediately began investigating and determined criminal conduct had occurred." (Orlando Police Department via Facebook)
• Orlando Fire Department shared: "Chief Salazar and staff greeted the young men of My Brother’s Keeper at station 1 recently. MBK’s young men also took a tour of the station. My Brother’s Keeper Orlando provides intensive mentoring services to these young men." (Orlando Fire Department via Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today.

— Carlos Hernandez

About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a food writer with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I write the food blog Carlos Eats (http://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines with food-related blogs and articles.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Orlando Patch newsletter? Contact me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com